BACKWARD GLANCES — Irwin walks million steps around RACC track

See what was happening in Redwood Falls 50, 25, and 10 years ago this week.

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By Joshua Dixon, Staff Writer

Redwood Falls Gazette

By Joshua Dixon, Staff Writer

Posted May. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By Joshua Dixon, Staff Writer

Posted May. 9, 2014 at 12:01 AM

1964—50 years ago • The city started the process of getting permission from the state to close the old road to North Redwood, and replace it with an extension of Highway 101 instead. • Cecil Baker, owner of Bakers Brother Motors in Redwood Falls, was the first Studebaker dealer to visit the company’s new factory in Ontario, Canada, and drive home a new 1964 model sedan. • “Sleepy Lagoon” was the them of the RFHS prom, with couples being introduced walking across a stage set designed to resemble a pirate ship. • Nearly 1,100 people attended a federated womens club fashion show in the RFHS auditorium, depicting 100 years of changing fashion. A highlight of the show was a reenactment of the 1932 robbery of the State Bank in Redwood Falls. • The RFHS track team’s relay team featured both the school’s tallest athlete, 6’5’’ Gary Poush, and shortest, 5’6” Roger Patten, exchanging the baton. 1989—25 years ago • Despite acknowledged problems with insurance, finances, canceled events, and a notable lack of enthusiasm, the Chamber of Commerce said the city’s planned 125th anniversary celebration would go on. • Dale and Marlys Larson waited until after they paid their 1989 taxes to open their new business, Nintendo World. • Traffic was brisk in Ramsey Park as hundreds of people visited the new buffalo born the previous week. • Sixth grade members of the Class of 2000 planted Norway pine trees in front of Reede Gray Elementary School. • Only 12 members of the public showed up to review plans for the new high school / middle school. 2004—10 years ago • Based on the length of his stride (2.56 feet) Frank Irwin calculated he had walked 1,000,000 steps walking 3,894 laps around the RACC fieldhouse track. • As part of being named a “Patriotic Employer” by the National Guard, Northwest Drywall owner Dennis Kahnke got to tour a nuclear submarine docked in Georgia. • The star-shaped building at the intersection of Highway 19/71 and 101 down to North Redwood was demolished to make room for a new car wash. • Arlin Krueger, Dale Scholl, Kathryn Olson, and John Tiffany were inducted into the Redwood Valley Hall of Fame. • Ray Anderson, RVHS Class of 2001, was part of the University of Minnesota’s College Bowl national championship winning team.